Worley Keene

Four Oaks, NC:  Mr. Worley Harr Keene, age 84, of 506 North Main Street died Friday, April 26, 2013, at Wake Medical Center in Raleigh.  A Funeral Service will be 11:00AM Tuesday, April 30, 2013, at the First Baptist Church of Four Oaks.  Rev. John Norman and Dr. Sherrill Stevens will officiate.  Burial will follow in Four Oaks City Cemetery.   Mr. Keene was born in Johnston County on July 5, 1928 to the late Nathan Henry and Ruth Naomi Berkholtz Keene.  He was also preceded in death by a sister, Avis Bouldin.     Mr. Keene served in the U. S. Air Force during the Korean Conflict.  He received his BA in Science Education from Atlantic Christian College and his Master’s Degree from East Carolina University.  Mr. Keene began his teaching career in 1952 as a teacher at Four Oaks High School and then was the principal from 1956-1968.  With the consolidation of the local high schools, he became an assistant principal at South Johnston High School in 1969 and taught physical science until his retirement in 1986. In 1960, Mr. Keene received the Outstanding Teaching of Chemistry from the N. C. Section of American Chemical Society.  He was recognized as the Teacher of the Year at South Johnston High School and Johnston County in 1981.  Mr. Keene received the Johnston County Schools Living Legend Award in 2010 and was a member of the Johnston County Retired School Personnel.     Mr. Keene was a member of the First Baptist Church of Four Oaks for 75 years where he was a past deacon and where he served in many capacities.  He received lifetime playing rights from Reedy Creek Golf Course for his commitment and service to the golf course.   Mr. Keene is survived by his wife, Mary Smith Keene; Children & Spouses, Sandra H. & José Mahiquez of Benson and Dr. William Thomas Henderson, II & Dr. Nick Bellos of Dallas, TX; Grandchildren, Mary Heather Mahiquez, Blair Mahiquez, Aryn Henderson, and Bryce Henderson; Extended Family, Barbara Hixon & Alaine Hardesty of Dallas, TX; Nieces, Sarah Webb, Ruth Gill, Jane Strouther, and Bonnie Bouldin; and Great Nieces & Nephews.   The family will receive friends at Rose & Graham Funeral Home in Four Oaks from 6:00PM to 8:00PM Monday, April 29, 2013.   Flowers are welcomed; however, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Four Oaks, P. O. Box 717, Four Oaks, NC  27524.